April 19, 2009

The UEFA Champions League Quarterfinals 2nd leg matches produced arguably some of the greatest ever goals in the competition. From cracking long range strikes to an exquisite chip the last 8 teams in the competition produced top shelf finishes. Here is a look at my favourites.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal in the 3rd minute against Porto in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter final has to be one of the greatest goals you have ever seen. As much as I can’t stand the pretty boy with his slick backed hair and arrogance probably only matched by Anthony Mundine, this goal was just phenomenal. If you haven’t seen it, then do yourself a favour and youtube it. It was a special, special goal that no superlatives could give justice. Not only was his execution flawless, but he also managed to produce it at an extremely opportune time – against one of his most rivaled clubs. Having spent his pre-Manchester United days at Sporting Lisbon, Ronaldo would have loved nothing more than to put one over his former arch nemesis.

The reigning FIFA World Player of the Year was not the only one crowing over his mid week strike. You can bet Theo Walcott was just as impressed with himself when he opened the scoring against Villarreal at Emirates Stadium. Walcott delicately chipped the ball over the on-rushing Diego Lopez and the ball gracefully trickled into the far corner of the net. Absolutely delightful. It was a finish of the highest quality from the young English superstar. Injuries have plagued his season, however if he finds a way to stay on the pitch he is going to be a quality player in the future.

The epic encounter between Liverpool and Chelsea provided its fair share of screamers. Come on down Fabio Aurelio and Alex. The Brazilian duo both struck the back of the net from free kicks, both from some distance. Petr Cech needs to give himself an uppercut for being so grossly out of position (in fact for the majority of his recent displays), but take nothing away from Fabio Aurelio as this strike was wicked. A left footed whipping free kick snuck inside the near post from a good 30 yards which caught Cech totally off guard. Obviously he hasn’t seen any footage of Fabio Aurelio from his Valencia days! Alex wasn’t going to be out done by his compatriot and fired a rocket straight down the middle of the goal early in the second half. The ball hit the back of the net at such pace that I am surprised it didn’t burn a hole in the back of it.